How the network works
Trains in Great Britain are run by many companies, such as LNER, GWR or Avanti. You can buy a ticket for any journey from any official seller, and the price is the same whichever site you use, apart from small booking fees on some third-party sites.
London has several main terminals, for example King's Cross, Euston, Paddington and Waterloo. Check which station your train leaves from before you travel.
Tickets and fares
Anytime tickets are the most flexible. You can travel on any train on the date shown and break your journey on the way. They are also the most expensive.
Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are cheaper but only valid on quieter trains. Off-peak times differ by company and route, so the old rule of after 09:30 is not always true. The return half of an Off-Peak return can be used within one calendar month.
Advance tickets are the cheapest. They are sold in limited numbers for one specific train and are not refundable. Changes before departure may be allowed for a fee of about £10 plus any fare difference.
The UK government froze regulated rail fares in England for 2026, the first freeze in about 30 years. Other fares can still change, so always check the price on the day you book.
Railcards and split tickets
A railcard costs £35 for one year and usually gives one third off. The Two Together Railcard is for two named adults travelling together; it is valid after 09:30 on weekdays and all day at weekends and on public holidays. The Family & Friends Railcard covers up to four adults and four children, with one third off adult fares and 60% off fares for children aged 5 to 15.
Other cards include 16-25, 26-30, Senior (60 and over) and Network Railcard for London and the South East. A railcard often pays for itself on one long return trip.
Split ticketing means buying two or more tickets that together cover your journey, often while staying on the same train. It is legal. The train must stop at the stations where the tickets change.
Tips for travellers
Book long trips as early as possible for the best Advance prices. Mobile e-tickets are accepted on most routes; keep your phone charged.
Seat reservations are often free with Advance tickets. On busy Friday and Sunday trains, a reservation is worth having, especially for families.
Luggage racks are at the ends of carriages and above seats. Big suitcases can be hard to store on full trains, so arrive early to find space.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
